Pros and Cons of Taking Your Dog Camping
By: David Cruz
For most of us, our dogs are part of the family. That makes it hard to leave them behind when we go on vacations. Luckily, with some trips, we don’t have to! Camping is a popular destination for families and individuals alike, and it’s one that your dog would love to tag along on. But is taking your dog camping the right call?
There are lots of pros and cons to bringing your pup on your next camping trip. Including the dogs requires a good deal of prep work and some extra packing. There are a few safety and logistical concerns to keep in mind, too. But if executed properly, your dog can make it the trip of a lifetime.
If you’ve never brought your dog on a camping trip before, you might be on the fence about letting them join the fun. To make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the pros and cons, along with some tips for planning a successful camping trip with your canine companion.
Pros of Camping with Your Dog
If you ask us, the pros of camping with a dog greatly outweigh the cons. As long as your dog is well trained and up for the physical activity that comes along with being in the great outdoors, there are countless benefits that come with camping together.
Here are just a few of the pros:
Companionship and bonding. If you’re like us, you can never get enough quality time with your dog. Bringing them along for the ride means you won’t feel like an important family member is missing out on the fun.
No boarding costs. Finding somewhere to board your dog while you’re away can be stressful. Not only are dog sitters and pet hotels costly, but there’s also the added worry of finding someone you trust with your dog. Your dog is a family member, and you’re probably not comfortable leaving them just anywhere. By bringing your dog camping, you don’t have to worry about paying for someone else to watch your dog—they’ll be right by your side the whole time.
Exercise and socialization. Being in the woods provides your dog (and you!) with opportunities that you can’t get while taking a walk around the block. Rock climbing, navigating tricky trails, and crossing streams can be a great workout for everyone involved. (Just be sure not to overdo it!)
Extra protection. Having an extra set of eyes and ears when you’re alone (or mostly alone) in the wilderness is never a bad idea. The presence of a dog may even keep raccoons from creeping in and stealing your food. This isn’t to say you should let down your guard and forget everything you know about camping safety—but having a dog around can provide an added layer of protection.
Cons of Camping with Your Dog
Bringing your dog camping isn’t always a walk in the park (as literal as that phrase might be). It requires additional money, time, and effort. And as much as you’d love to bring your dog along, the fact remains that some dogs just aren’t cut out for camping. Maybe your pup would be happier to snooze all day with a dog sitter!
Check out these potential downsides of camping with a dog:
Additional planning. Not all camping destinations are dog friendly, and the ones that are probably come with specific pet regulations. You’ll have to do your research ahead of time to choose the right campground.
The risk of ticks. Regardless of what time of year it is, if you’re in a densely wooded area, the risk of coming in contact with ticks is greatly elevated. You’ll have to thoroughly check your dog at the end of each day to make sure they haven’t been bitten.
Other safety hazards. Camping is fun, but you’ll encounter a lot of hazards along the way. Being in close proximity to wild animals or large bodies of water means you’ll have to be extra alert when it comes to keeping your dog safe.
Added responsibility. As a pet owner, you’ll be responsible for making sure your dog doesn’t run off, keeping barking to a minimum, and ensuring they don’t bother other campers. Bringing a dog camping means there will be one more living being for you to care for and keep track of.
More money. You’ll want to have quality camping gear for your pup (more on this later), and that comes at a cost. If camping will become a regular part of your dog’s routine, this will be a worthy investment! You’ll just have to be prepared to spend a little more money right off the bat.
Tips for Camping with Your Dog
It can be tempting to let your dog jump in the car and take off on that camping trip. But if you’ve never camped with a pooch before, you might overlook a few things. Have you thought about where your dog will sleep? How will you secure them when you’re away from your camping spot? How much food should you bring?
If you haven’t given these questions much thought, no worries—we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips that may help you decide if camping with a pup is the right move for you.
Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations
Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations and keep that paperwork on hand while camping. Having proof of vaccination on hand is required in most public places where dogs are welcome, like dog parks and campgrounds.
Use Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection
Don’t take your dog camping if you haven’t been consistently administering flea, tick, and heartworm medication. All dogs are susceptible to Lyme disease or heartworms, but these illnesses are especially a concern if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors. If your dog isn’t properly protected, we suggest putting off a camping trip until they are.
Consider Your Dog’s Temperament
Some dogs live for being outdoors—they’re active, social, and inquisitive 24/7. But this isn’t the case for all dogs. If your dog is very old or struggling with a physical ailment, like arthritis or hip dysplasia, camping might require more effort than they can safely exert. If your dog is still a young puppy who isn’t fully trained, it also might be better to leave them at home. There are simply too many dangers in the wilderness to risk taking a dog who doesn’t always listen.
Work on Camping-Related Behaviors
Speaking of temperament, spend some time working on new behaviors with your dog before taking them camping. Camping-friendly dogs should walk well on a leash, obey basic commands, and refrain from exhibiting aggressive behaviors. You’ll also want to familiarize your dog with the gear they’ll be using while camping. For example, let them spend a few nights sleeping on their camping bed while at home, so they’re not seeing it for the first time at a campsite. The more comfortable your dog is in a camping environment, the smoother your trip will be.
Start Small
If you’ve camped before, you might feel comfortable spending a week in a tent. But that doesn’t hold true for a dog who hasn’t had the same experience. Ease your dog into the camping life by starting with shorter trips. After a few quick weekend trips, you and your dog will be prepared for more extensive camping outings.
What to Pack When Taking Your Dog Camping
Preparation is the key to a fun and successful camping trip. If you’re a seasoned camper, you probably have your packing list down to a T. But have you factored your dog into that equation?
If you decide to include your dog in the camping fun, there are a few additional items you’ll need to add to your packing list. Here are some items to bring along that will keep your dog fed, safe, and entertained at the campground.
Food, water, treats, and bowls
Leash and collar or harness
Portable kennel or stake/tether line
Portable pet bed
Toys
Get Ready for the Camping Trip of a Lifetime
Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you want to bring your dog camping. If your pup is healthy enough for that kind of activity, we guarantee they will love the opportunity to explore the great outdoors, and you’ll love the companionship. As long as you’re willing to put in the extra effort and planning, camping with a dog can be a wonderful experience.
Just be prepared to never camp solo again—once your dog gets a little taste of the camping life, you’ll never camp solo again!